- Region
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Reservations for the traverse are recommen…
- Managed by
- Parks Canada
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Photos of Gros Morne National Park
How to get there
To access the Long Range Traverse, hikers must arrange for the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Contact Bontours for reservations.
- Western Brook Pond trail head
This is the starting point for the Long Range Traverse. Access requires a boat tour across Western Brook Pond.
- Gros Morne Mountain trail head
This is the finishing point for the Long Range Traverse, connecting back to Highway 430.
Sources: parks.canada.ca · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada · Season: Best: June - September
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
The country
Gros Morne is a geological marvel where towering landlocked fjords abruptly meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The southern section contains the Tablelands, an eerie, barren expanse of peridotite rock thrust up from the Earth's mantle, toxic to most plant life. The northern section features high coastal plateaus cut by deep, glacially carved valleys.
Why enthusiasts come
The park offers severe, unmarked backcountry navigation challenges that draw experienced backpackers seeking untamed east coast wilderness. Sea kayakers come to paddle alongside sheer 600-meter cliffs in the freshwater fjords.
Top experiences
The Long Range Traverse is an elite 35km off-trail trek dropping off a gorge edge and crossing a harsh, featureless alpine plateau. Paddling through Western Brook Pond gives kayakers an imposing, bottom-up perspective of the massive gorge walls.
Planner-relevant notes
To attempt the Long Range Traverse, backpackers must pass a rigorous navigation test with park wardens using map and compass. The terrain is largely trackless bog and dense tuckamore (stunted balsam fir), significantly slowing travel. Fierce winds off the Gulf can cause extreme temperature drops and severe whiteouts in the high country.
Field notes
- Waterproofing your boots is futile against the deep bogs of the Long Range Traverse; focus instead on quick-draining footwear.
- Gaiters are highly recommended to protect your shins from the relentless, abrasive tuckamore brush.
- Moose density is incredibly high; be on high alert while driving Route 430, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Book the boat drop-off for Western Brook Pond well in advance, as it is the only way to access the northern trailheads.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 49.5833, -57.7333
- Latitude (DMS)
- 49° 34′ 59.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 57° 43′ 59.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Gros Morne National Park, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Inland fjords and exposed Earth mantle create a surreal landscape for multi-day trekking and sea kayaking along the coast.
Key takeaways
- Region: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Best season: Best: June - September
- Coordinates: 49.583, -57.733
Climate suitability
Best: June - September
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Gros Morne National Park
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Gros Morne National Park
Backcountry Challenge
The Long Range Traverse is an unmarked and rugged backcountry route located within Gros Morne National Park. This strenuous 35 km route is intended for experienced backpackers with strong wilderness navigation skills and excellent physical fitness. It is not a maintained trail, and while some beaten pathways may exist, they are often indistinguishable from game paths. Route finding can be complicated by low clouds and other weather conditions that reduce visibility. Hikers should be proficient in navigating unmarked routes. The traverse typically takes 3 to 5 days to complete, but actual times can vary significantly due to weather, boat delays, and group ability. It is crucial to plan for delays and allocate extra time. The route starts by ascending the Long Range plateau through a rugged gorge at the east end of Western Brook Pond and heads south across the plateau towards Gros Morne Mountain before descending into Ferry Gulch. The journey concludes by returning to Highway 430 via the Gros Morne Mountain trail.
Route Description
The Long Range Traverse begins with an ascent onto the Long Range plateau from the east end of Western Brook Pond. The journey proceeds south across the plateau, navigating towards Gros Morne Mountain. Along this unmarked path, hikers will find a series of five designated campsites that serve as waypoints, helping to define the general route. After traversing the plateau, the route descends into Ferry Gulch. The final leg of the traverse follows the Gros Morne Mountain trail, leading back to Highway 430. This demanding route requires consistent attention to navigation and awareness of changing conditions. Hikers should be prepared for varying terrain and the absence of traditional trails.
Preparation and Safety
Undertaking the Long Range Traverse demands thorough preparation. Due to the lack of marked trails and the rugged terrain, only individuals with extensive backcountry experience, strong wilderness navigation skills, and good physical conditioning should attempt this hike. It is recommended that hikers review the Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains before their trip. Essential navigation tools include a topographic map (12H/12 Gros Morne) and GPS track files, which are available for download. Understanding that Parks Canada does not mark or maintain these routes is critical; hikers are responsible for ensuring safe travel conditions. Weather can change rapidly, and visibility can be severely reduced, making navigation challenging. Planning for contingencies and potential delays is a key aspect of safe trip execution.
Access and Permits
Access to the Long Range Traverse requires taking the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Reservations for the boat tour should be made in advance through Bontours. The route's start is at the Western Brook Pond trail head, and the finish is at the Gros Morne Mountain trail head. Reservations for the traverse are recommended, as daily departures are limited to three groups, with a maximum of four people per group. To finalize a reservation and obtain a backcountry permit, all hikers must report to the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre at 2:30 p.m. the day before their scheduled departure for a mandatory safety briefing. This briefing ensures all groups are aware of the challenges and requirements of the traverse.
Route options
- Long Range Traverse35 kmstrenuous
An unmarked and rugged backcountry route across the Long Range plateau, starting at Western Brook Pond and finishing via the Gros Morne Mountain trail. It involves ascending a gorge, traversing a plateau with five campsites, and descending into Ferry Gulch.
Sample itineraries
- Standard Traverse · 3 days
A typical duration for completing the Long Range Traverse, assuming favorable conditions and efficient travel. This timeframe may require longer hiking days.
- Extended Traverse · 5 days
A more relaxed pace for the Long Range Traverse, allowing for potential weather delays, photography, or additional exploration. This duration provides a buffer for unforeseen circumstances.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
June 28 - August
The operating season begins in late June. Early season conditions may include lingering snow patches and higher water levels. Weather can be unpredictable with potential for sudden changes and reduced visibility.
Summer
July - August
Peak season for hiking. Expect generally milder temperatures but still prepare for variable weather including rain, fog, and cooler conditions, especially at higher elevations. Midges and other insects may be present.
Fall
September
The operating season concludes at the end of September. Expect cooler temperatures, potential for early snow, and vibrant fall colors. Weather can be highly variable with strong winds and precipitation.
Winter
October - June
The traverse is outside its operating season and not recommended due to severe winter conditions, heavy snowpack, ice, and extreme weather. Backcountry travel is highly challenging and hazardous.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | June 28 - August | The operating season begins in late June. Early season conditions may include lingering snow patches and higher water levels. Weather can be unpredictable with potential for sudden changes and reduced visibility. |
| Summer | July - August | Peak season for hiking. Expect generally milder temperatures but still prepare for variable weather including rain, fog, and cooler conditions, especially at higher elevations. Midges and other insects may be present. |
| Fall | September | The operating season concludes at the end of September. Expect cooler temperatures, potential for early snow, and vibrant fall colors. Weather can be highly variable with strong winds and precipitation. |
| Winter | October - June | The traverse is outside its operating season and not recommended due to severe winter conditions, heavy snowpack, ice, and extreme weather. Backcountry travel is highly challenging and hazardous. |
Permits, fees & closures
Reservations for the traverse are recommended. Daily departures are limited to 3 groups per day with a maximum of 4 people per group. To obtain your backcountry permit and keep your reservation, you must report to the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre at 2:30 p.m. the day before your scheduled departure for a mandatory safety briefing.
Reservations: Reservations are available online via the Parks Canada Reservation Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783 (1-519-826-5391 outside North America).
Official source: Long Range Traverse - Gros Morne National Park · Verified August 29, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Unmarked routes and absence of trails
- Rapidly changing weather and reduced visibility (fog, low clouds)
- Rugged terrain and strenuous physical demands
- Potential for delays due to weather or boat schedules
- Wildlife encounters
What to pack for Gros Morne National Park
- Topographic Map (12H/12 Gros Morne)
- GPS device with downloaded track files
- Compass
- Map case
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Whistle
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Knife or multi-tool
- Communication device (e.g., satellite messenger)
- Sturdy backpacking pack
- Tent suitable for variable weather
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Cooking system with fuel
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Layered clothing system (base, mid, outer layers)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Extra socks
- Hat and gloves
Gros Morne National Park FAQ
- What is the difficulty of the Long Range Traverse?
- The Long Range Traverse is a strenuous route. It is unmarked and rugged, suitable only for physically fit individuals with good wilderness navigation skills and extensive backcountry experience.
- How long does the Long Range Traverse take to complete?
- The traverse typically takes 3 to 5 days. Actual times can vary depending on weather, delays, and hiker ability, so planning for extra time is advisable.
- Are there marked trails on the Long Range Traverse?
- No, there are no marked trails on the Long Range Mountains. Hikers should be proficient in navigating unmarked routes. Some beaten pathways may exist but are often indistinguishable from game paths.
- How do I access the starting point of the traverse?
- To access the route, hikers must take the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Contact Bontours for reservations for the boat tour.
- What do I need to do to confirm my reservation and get a permit?
- You must report to the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre at 2:30 p.m. the day before your scheduled departure. This is for a mandatory safety briefing and to obtain your backcountry permit.
- What navigation tools are recommended?
- Hikers should carry a topographic map (12H/12 Gros Morne), a compass, and a GPS device with downloaded track files. Parks Canada provides downloadable track files.